Why do our furry friends put toys in their food bowl? Let's explore this behavior and try to find an answer.
Cats are instinctive hunters, and these instincts are still present in all cats, even cats who live in a domestic setting. A cat's hunting behavior is basically hardwired in their brain, and they exercise this behavior whenever they stalk, chase, and capture prey... even if the "prey" is simply their favorite catnip toy.
Reasons Cats Put Toys In Their Food Bowl
When your cat puts a toy in their food bowl, it could be a sign of their natural hunting behavior. According to some experts, cats might see their food bowl as a "hunting ground", and they may consider their toys as "prey" which they have caught.
By putting their toys in their food bowl, cats may be mimicking the natural behavior of wild cats who often store their prey in a safe place for future consumption.
Another theory suggests that cats put their catnip toys in their food bowl in order to protect the toy. Your cat may view their food bowl as a safe space, and putting their toys in it could be a way of guarding their prized possessions.
In the wild, cats often hide their prey to prevent other predators from stealing it, and this instinct may be what drives your cat to protect their toys by keeping them close to their food.
Cats Crave A Comfortable Environment
Additionally, cats are creatures of habit, which means they like routine and consistency. Placing cat toys in their food bowl may be your cat's way of creating a familiar and comforting environment for themselves.
It could be a sign that they feel relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings, and they are happy to share their space with their toys.
It's possible that we may never fully understand the reason why cats put toys in their food bowl. As long as your cat is healthy and happy, some occasional toy-in-the-food-bowl behavior is perfectly normal.